Cell differentiation

From unspecialised to specialised

Follow a cell's journey through differentiation — notice what changes at each stage

1. 1Unspecialised cellThe cell starts without a specific function. It does not yet have the sub-cellular structures needed to carry out a specialised role.+
2. 2Differentiation beginsAs the organism develops, the cell begins to differentiate. It starts to acquire different sub-cellular structures suited to a specific function.+
3. 3Specialised cell formedThe cell has now differentiated — it has acquired the sub-cellular structures that allow it to carry out its specific function. Its structure and appearance reflect that function.+
4. 4In animals: mostly early in developmentMost animal cells differentiate at an early stage of the organism's development. In mature animals, cell division is mainly restricted to repair and replacement of cells.+
5. 5In plants: throughout lifeMany plant cells retain the ability to differentiate throughout the plant's entire life — a key difference from most animal cells.+

Stop and predict

Commit to an answer before you reveal — this distinction is easy to get wrong.

A student writes: 'Both animal cells and plant cells stop being able to differentiate once the organism is fully grown.' Which part of this is correct, and which is wrong?